This proposal is a development of the following two ideas Selling advertising space on our postage stampsD1897 The Envelope - The window to the advertising worldD4408 I propose that a huge green media initiative is undertaken throughout Ireland, and abroad promoting Irish green energy industries and products. At home a media drive to make people more aware of green energy and the benefits and direct future students into areas of research and study in these areas • Rte and TV3 to allocate 10% of advertising on TV (and Radio) to renewable energy development and energy conservation and environmental topics. • Adverts for green energy industries to have tax rebate for a 5 year period. • Incentives provided to all newspapers and magazines to allocate five to ten percent of their content to green energy awareness and promotion, competitions, research and developments articles • Incentives to companies to advertise green energy awareness on 25% of their product packaging eg. When More...

Electric motorway that uses an electromagnetic field to induce charge or to propel vehicles along. Be it new electric vehicles which may only have limited speed and range will have the benefit of been able to travel motorway at speeds of up to 120 km/ph while topping up their charge to allow them to go further off motorway. Or Existing vehicles that can have a modification made that will allow them to switch from fossil fuel while on the motorway. Renewable and sustainable energy can ensure 0 carbon emissions. Electric motoring is reported to cost as little as 1p per mile. This system can be easily installed by incorporating a road cutting saw, Track decoiler, asphalt dispenser and a road surface finisher on a 40 ft rig. Distances of between 10 and 50 KM of road could be laid in a day and as only one lane would require the track minimum disruption would be caused to the public. The vehicle modification could be produced in mass in Ireland and be fitted by registered garages around t More...

My proposal if for tax credits to consumers purchasing furniture and products made from recycled materials and manufactured using renewable energies. Why is Ireland ready to take on the challenge? To develop design throughout Ireland using recycled materials and promoting renewable energy use. Proposal promotes green incentives What could really make it work? It could have pilot competitions with schools and colleges and be sponsored by say Green Star and local authorities How could it create employment? Development and research and promoting design using recycled materials Why is now the right time? Ireland needs further develop its waste management and such an incentive would make young designers or apprentices aware of the opportunities of recycling materials. Also to develop renewable energy and the sector

The basis of my idea is that Ireland should strive to a target of having zero garbage waste in the country. I believe that in this day and age nothing should have to go into a landfill. To achieve this I believe that the state should build recycling plants throughout the country. The key point of my idea is that people on welfare would be used to work in the recycling plant to sort through the rubbish. This may sound a little extreme but let me briefly explain how I believe this will work. I think that anyone who has been on welfare long term would be required to work for one week in every month in the recycling plant. This should not impact the individuals ability to continue to search for a full time job as the system would allows the individual 3 weeks to do so. I believe that in the week that the individual works in the recycling plant that their welfare payments should be doubled or that they should receive the minimum wage. This additional income would be a huge help to those str More...

A coastal area of about 1000Sq.KM, mainly of sea, should be designated for native species only. In this coastal area no net fishing should be permitted. Boats with engines should not be allowed. It could be a nursery for fish, shell fish, as well as other kinds of natural marine life. Where the influence of humans causes the area to have compromised sea life, this could be undone and prevented from happening again. Ireland is lucky to still have relatively pristine coastal/sea areas. How long can this last for with pressures from growth in population and greed? It has been shown in other parts of the world that such protected marine areas provide nurseries for fish which spread into areas which can be fished in. Such an area could also be a centre for scientific research. Scientists from all over the world would be keen to study such an area, as few, if any other countries in Europe have such an available resource. 'Green' tourist activities such as whale watching, surfing and kayakin More...

My proposal is to develop an online showcase of Irish eco friendly businesses – a one stop shop for Irish produced eco-conscious products. In a competitive world-market, the online resource will showcase and market Irish eco friendly products to consumers, retailers and the media at a global level, delivering growth and exposure for Irish business, significantly increasing exports and boosting Ireland’s reputation for eco-friendly products.

If you wanted to effect change in Ireland for the better, what would you build on a large scale greenfield site that would make a significant difference in terms of Irish sustainable development and global humanitarian relief for all time? This is the starting point of the project. It is called New Vision Ireland and it kicks off with an invitation to the Irish government, the United Nations, the European Union and at least another 50 countries across the world to participate and jointly co-invest in the creation of a new high-tech Thematic Smart Community Global Town in Ireland. The key feature of this new town will be the construction of a United Nations Global Emergency Air Logistics Hub. The New Vision Ireland project proposes the designation of a 800 hectare greenfield site as an International Strategic Development Zone. This mixed development town will include a phased development of 10,000 household units which by 2025 will have a population of 30,000 Irish and foreign nationa More...

The plan to stop the outsourcing of Irish hospitality and re-establish pride in the profession: At no cost, easily implemented: Expand on the traditional B&B menu with a signature dish beyond the full Irish breakfast. This could range from something as simple as a special muffin or scone to a bread pudding or breakfast casserole. Many people do not eat eggs or meat, and cold cereal doesn't cut it anymore. Highlight Irish produce, cheeses and jams, and smoked WILD salmon (see below). Showcase local crafts, e.g. use locally made pottery to set the table or vases to hold the flowers, or at least provide a map to local craftspeople's workshops. Promote traditional music -- play a CD of The Chieftains or Danu at breakfast (there's nothing better for sending your guests off on the right foot in the morning, and who knows, they might look for more of it). Real coffee (never instant), good Irish tea, a moment or two of chat. A personal connection equals a reason to come back. More...

Public Buildings should be retrofitted with energy efficient building services, systems, and materials. This is an initiative that will be both environmentally and economically friendly. It will boost badly needed construction sector jobs and has the opportunity to be cost neutral through the correct planning and design through the energy saving over a period of time. Recent observer has cited that every €1 billion spent on such retrofit projects will create 8000 jobs. If my proposal were to be selected, i would put the money towards a feasibility study to prove the concept.

My plan is to use school sites (National Schools and Educate Together fit the profile best) to demonstrate how building can be made carbon neutral and cost effective. The proposal is to make primary schools an example of energy efficiency through the strategically planned and well designed use of photovoltaic Solar Panels and Vertical Wind Turbines. The two technologies will compliment each other and reduce the reliance on carbon fuels. The operating hours of a school are consistent with the production profile of solar energy, as the building are typically not in use after dark. During the highly productive months of the summer the energy can be sold into the grid. If i were to be selected as i successful promoter of a project, i would put the prize money towards a feasibility project to evaluate the business model.